Thanks for dropping by and checking out JTA's roundup of all of the Hasbro Q&A sessions from around the web. This week's answers come in a little late as Hasbro has slid back the time to answer. The roundup is continually updating as we get more and more responses posted at the participating websites. If you know of a site that's participating in the Q&A's but isn't represented in our roundup, please drop us a line with a hyperlink to that site's Q&A.

You can check out each site's postings by clicking on the website title. The Star Wars Q&A's are posted alphabetically, and are followed by any Indiana Jones Q&A's that the Hasbro Lucasfilm team has fielded.

Also be sure to check back as we distill the Q&A's down to the real nitty gritty with out Q&A Headlines. That is where we give you real news that comes out of the Q&A: newly confirmed items, assortments, exclusive details, etc. And feel free to post about what Hasbro is saying in the Q&A process here in the Jedi Temple War Room.

QUESTION: Ever since the inception of the VOTC line, collectors have been pleased to get a series of well-articulated Imperial troopers in both the Vintage and Basic figure lines. We've seen Stormtroopers, Scout Troopers, Snowtroopers, AT-AT Drivers, Death Star Gunners and the like over the past several years. And we were pleasantly surprised by the upcoming Space Trooper, which is probably one of the coolest easter eggs in A NEW HOPE. But we're left to wonder which OT Imperial trooper are we likely to see get this treatment next as a Basic Figure? The AT-ST Driver? The TIE Pilot? The uniformed Imperial Officer?

ANSWER: We do like to add in new upgraded imperials every year. Next year should see the introduction of three, including an upgraded officer (although he will be named, and not generic). One of our choices will surprise you, as he is one of the more minor troop-builder potential imperials we have wanted to see re-done for a long time. Also, a super-articulated generic TIE Pilot will be featured in the last wave of Spring 2009 Evolution packs, so he will not be out on the basic figure card next year.

QUESTION: We see a lot of fan chatter about Expanded Universe characters that people would like to see made into figure form. But all too often, some of these characters have only come to life on the pages of novels. The Hasbro Star Wars team seems to have embraced the EU through the comic 2-pack concept, but what about the novels? Are team members chomping at the bit for Dark Horse to adapt some of the novels into comic form in order for some of these characters to take shape as figures? And which novel characters are at the top of the Hasbro Star Wars team's wishlists?

ANSWER: This is a question that has come up time after time in the Q&A, and the simple answer is that we would like to do more figures from the novels, but we lack the proper reference and context to do many of them. The comic packs work because of the visual nature of the medium (many novel characters lack good visuals for us to design from) as well as a much-needed story context to flesh out some of these characters. Even Jacen and Jaina Solo, which are high on our wish-list, are difficult to do because they are so scarcely depicted. Fans of the novels should take some heart in the fact that we are listening and looking to work in figures when we can (the basic figure line makes the most sense but has very few slots available for EU figures). In addition, fans should enjoy the novel-based figures that we are doing in the comic packs, including Rogue Squadron figures, the upcoming Yuuzhon Vong/Kyle Katarn comic pack, and more.

QUESTION: We've done a little digging through the history of Hasbro's Fan's Choice Polls. And in the process we've discovered that over time a startling number of the candidates in the polls have been produced. Of the 47 Fan's Choice Poll candidates over the years, 33 of those have been produced or have been confirmed to be on the way in the near future. That's over 70%!

That leaves us wondering about the remaining 30%. Are these remaining Fan's Choice Poll candidates still on the Hasbro Star Wars team's radar screens? And how likely are we to see these remaining Fan's Choice Poll contestants immortalized in plastic?

ANSWER: If all goes according to plan and if schedules hold, next year will see five of these figures finally make it, with another four of them possible for 2010 (they are high on our wish list, but 2010 has yet to be nailed down). By the way, we see "Padme Lake Retreat" complete with the"fireside" outfit from the 30th Anniversary Collection.

QUESTION: Might Hasbro look into extending the range of motion on the ball-hinged elbows and knees? The current range is only around 90 degrees, while in the movies the elbows are often seen very closed holding weapons close to the chest or face, so the joint often should go around 135-150 degrees to represent that. With the inclusion of ball-hinged wrists and ankles, and now even hips on a few nifty Jedi, the amount of expression that these figures can produce is bordering on truly realistic, so isn't it time that the elbows and knees go there too?

ANSWER: We won't be doing this exactly as you suggest, for the simple fact that this would change the aesthetic that we are trying to achieve with the Star Wars line. To add additional range, it would require either cutting away more material to allow the joint more range, or would require adding a second mechanism to the joint (like Marvel Legends figures have), both of which detract from the less toy-based and more "realistically" based overall aesthetic we are trying to achieve. Our design team does think we can get some more range - perhaps up to 100 degrees, and are looking at that on certain figures, so there may be a little more range on the horizon.

QUESTION: Will all or a select few of the Animated characters make it into the Legacy (or future) line? For instance, will we see Ahsoka in the non-animated lines?

ANSWER: We have no plans to bring any of the new characters introduced into the animated line into the realistic line.

QUESTION: Since the release of the new Falcon and the AT-TE, will we see other Larger vehicles in the future, perhaps a new "death star" playset? hint hint!

ANSWER: We would like to do more, and we're working on concepts. The future of the large vehicle program, though, will be written out over the next four months as we go through our holiday sales season and kids (and additional collectors) vote with their purchases. If we announce another one, it would not be before Toy Fair timing (February 2009). We are much more likely to pursue vehicles, and would not consider new playset concepts unless they are heavily featured in the new entertainment.

QUESTION: With the recent success of the Hasbro GI Joe line and it's use of the "classic style" packaging, is it possible to see this direction taken for Star Wars (similar to the vintage line) where new figures would be packaged on a more classic-designed card?

ANSWER: The Star Wars Vintage line is the exact template that has been used for GI Joe line, with great success in both cases (the main difference being the protective outer clamshell). We are still deciding when Vintage will be reintroduced, but know that we all want to see it come back...it's just a matter of when, how it will be tweaked, etc.

QUESTION: The Powers That Be come to you (the team) and say, "Your next wave is your last wave (of figures). You have no restrictions on characters or budget." Whom would you make? (We know they'd never do that, but let's pretend it's Project Star Wars on Bravo TV.)

ANSWER: This question has two possible answers depending on our perspective, or, perhaps, our sense of humor. One possible answer is that we would go out with a bang - the best possible characters we could do to end on a high note… the best characters that we could not get to by the end of 2009. At this point, there are myriad possibilities and they would be characters that have not yet found their way into the lineup, coupled with a few of our Expanded Universe favorites (examples would include a selection of as-yet unmade Cantina and Jabba's Palace denizens, a number of The Force Unleashed characters including Proxy and Darth Phobos, intriguing Expanded Universe possibilities like Bastila Shan, Marasiah Fel, Valance, Skorr, Ben Skywalker, and others). On the other hand, our answer could easily be along the vein of "wow, it's been a great run, let's take this opportunity to do a lineup of characters that have been at the bottom of our list and which we thought we'd never do as long as better choices are available, turning off the light switch as we walk out." Candidates on this list include Jocasta Nu, Ackmena, Ben Quadinaros, and Jaxxon... among several others.

[Editor's Note: We are certain they're just joking about Ackmena being at the bottom of the list. Someone should let them know what happened to one of her co-stars' dressing room when she was angered.]

QUESTION: You are ordered by Mr. Potato Head (the symbolic leader of Hasbro) to resurrect one dormant segment of the line just because he's capricious like that.

ANSWER: Without question, we would bring back Pete the Pepper and Oscar the Orange to give that big-headed Spud some competition. After all, he is hogging all the great Star Wars Spuds spotlight! Ohhh... but you probably mean which dormant segment of the Star Wars line. OK then, we'd resurrect the Vintage line.

[Editor's Note: We were hoping for The Princess Leia Collection, but there's no accounting for taste.]

QUESTION: There are two (female) figures that are completely verboten. We find a compromise that allows them to be manufactured, but you have to nix two other unique characters. Whom do you choose?

ANSWER: Ah… put two figures in quarantine in exchange for the two that were allowed out? This one is not so hypothetical. We would trade just about anybody from the future/yet to be done lineup to do the two verboten ladies. That's how much we like them and want to see them make the lineup some day. Alas, no matter how much begging/pleading/prodding from fans will make that happen, so it's better to spend future questions on things other than these two ladies.

QUESTION: It seems like it’s been a while since someone bugged you about a possible Eopie re-release. Is the Eopie something that can get worked into a Battle Pack (say, with a sled, some junk parts, and a few Pod Racer pilots) or is it one of those “if it’s in the animation we’ll look at it” type of things?

ANSWER: If you noticed the Eopie in the Clone Wars movie, you have sharp eyes. We have special plans for Eopie, but no details will be revealed right now. You'll have to stay tuned but we think fans will be very pleased.

QUESTION: Ten years ago (holy cow - 10 years!?!), you guys released a nifty 2-Pack of Coud City’s favorite humanoid-porcine beings - the Ugnaughts. We’re thinking it’s about time for an upgrade... any plans to get some new Ugnaughts out there in 2009?

ANSWER: Yes, there will be a new Ugnaught in 2009 (we could not cost it out as 2-pack however).

QUESTION: First off, we’d like to pass on some kudos - every little kid I know (and most of the big ones too) LOVE their Galactic Heroes Rancor and Dewback. It is fantastic that you guys were finally able to do these iconic beasties in the line! With that said, are there any plans for more beasties to join the line? We’re loving the Skiff and Snowspeeder sets that were revealed, but we’re hoping you’ve still got a Bantha up your sleeve!

ANSWER: The response has been great to the recent expansions in the Galactic Hero line, and we can confirm that we have some additional secrets in store for next year. We don't want to reveal any more specifics than that, so look for more news early next year sometime on what can be expected for 2009.

QUESTION: As you probably know, Darth Andeddu has now made several appearances in comics (Republic and Legacy). Any chance he could be under consideration for a future comic pack?

ANSWER: He's still a very minor player. While there are no plans for him, we do have some great plans for other characters from Legacy and Republic.

QUESTION: Greetings Hasbro. I just wanted to say, you guys are doing a great job with the Star Wars toys. You guys were meant to make them. Anyways, I have a dying question to ask and hope that you can give me a concrete answer. Will we ever see a soft good cloak and articulated Jawa anytime soon? I know you guys will return to the "vintage" line again but what new approach will you take on this awesome line? Are you guys gonna take the same approach as your classic GI-JOE figures? Thanks!

ANSWER: Right now we don't have any plans for a soft goods or more articulated Jawa in the short term. There is not much more you would want to do with them in articulation in any case so we'll probably stick with the current level, and explore the soft goods if/when we reintroduce Vintage.

QUESTION: You showed us two great looking "Clone Scouts" who reported intell on the Monastery. Are we gonna see both of these figures show up in the animated line? Especially the commander?

ANSWER: We do have plans for the Scouts at some point next year in the Animated line.

QUESTION: The female characters don't appear to be all that popular, and I wanted to know if this means that the chances of seeing a character like Jocasta Nu are pretty slim. I mean, she had a speaking part, which is more than can be said for other figures that have been released, but I don't remember ever hearing anything about her being made into a figure.

ANSWER: The odds of Jocasta Nu making it into the figure line are as slim as the chopsticks in her hair.

QUESTION: The Force Unleashed 3 Packs are hitting retail in the US. We were told in April, by the UK Office, that these will be coming to the UK as well (exclusive to Asda stores) and we wanted to know when these will be available?

ANSWER: The original retailer for these, Asda, passed on them and they will no longer be available in the UK in Spring '09. We are looking at ways of getting them in circulation for Fall '09 but there is nothing certain yet. If that does not work out, we will look at potential re-releases as "greatest hits" figures in the Droid Factory line at some point.

QUESTION: Obviously it's important to keep core characters out on the shelf so that children are able to buy them on impulse without having to wait what could amount to years in between some figure re-releases. We've just seen pictures of three re-released Legacy Collection Battle Packs (Clone Attack on Corsucant, Jedi Training on Dagobah and Jedi Vs. Darth Sidious); of these at least two of them have been released twice already making this their third outing. In the UK, earlier versions of these Battle Packs are still available in large numbers and since figures such as Agen Kolar and Saesee Tiin are not core characters (or are they?), there are much better candidates for re-release in the hugely popular Battle Pack formats than these (a TFU Battle Pack with repacks to coincide with the games release, Droid Factory Capture, Betrayal at Bespin or the very hard to find Battle on Mygeeto to mention but a few)... so why these three again?

ANSWER: We released these three because they continue to be some of our best sellers. Jedi vs Darth Sidious in particular is a great set because it perfectly recreates one of the most iconic scenes of EpIII, which kids love, and the "cool" quotient is extremely high with so many Jedi and lightsabers. Agen Kolar and saesee Tiin, while not core characters, are cool Jedi which makes them great secondary characters and adds to the success of that particular pack.

QUESTION: In the 30th Anniversery Collection, Hasbro released a few figures from the new video game: The Force Unleashed. Will more TFU figures be in the Legacy Collection? Maybe the new droid, PROXY or Shaak Ti on Felucia or a new version of the Emperor?

ANSWER: We will be doing at least one more figure from The Force Unleashed at the end of next year but will not rule out the possibility of more if the demand proves high. From what we have seen from our own playing in the first week, there are some outstanding characters in the game that deserve some attention someday, chief among them Proxy. Also, don't forget about the two special 3-packs that are exclusive to Wal-Mart and available right now featuring two great Stormtrooper variants.

QUESTION: Will the V-19 Torrent be released with the tigershark deco like the Arc-170 & Republic Gunship?

ANSWER: There are no plans for that variant right now, as we will be sticking close to the new Clone Wars series for deco inspiration. If that very cool squadron-deco does show up (and we ask Lucasfilm "PLEASE!") then we will pursue it if it makes sense for the V-19.

QUESTION: Hi Hasbro! Thanks for all the cool toys and taking the time to answer our questions. Will you please make a new super articulated Yakface in 2009? We as fans are constantly hungry for more aliens, creatures, and characters from Jabba's Palace. Yakface is a great candidate for a new figure due to his unique appearance and the mystique of the vintage toy.

ANSWER: Next year we have several new aliens on tap to expand out the Jabba Palace Scene from EpVI, but YakFace (Saelt-Marae) is not among them. He remains one that we would re-do "some day" but have a list of new and re-done figures we'd like to get to before him.

QUESTION: What is one figure you just wish you could go back and take another crack at?

ANSWER: Interesting question! It varies by whom you ask, and the reason for "taking another crack" at that figure. For some figures, it's just because so much time has passed since the original that an upgrade is needed (in some cases, badly). Others in this category would include Wuher, a new Gamorrean Guard, Klaatu Cenermonial, and Imperial Scanning Crew Technician. Until recently, the Amanin Alien would have been on this list, but with the great wave of Spring Wal-Mart comic packs coming, one wish has been fulfilled.

QUESTION: I am a huge fan of The Legacy Collection's Wave 2 - Clone Wars. Every single figure is just fantastic. I cannot remember the last time a Wave was released where I couldn't wait for every figure. Do you have any plans for more Waves based on the Clone Wars Micro-Series or figures as part of an EU Wave?

I would really like to see a Battle Ravaged Anakin from his duel with Asajj Ventress on Yavin, a Battle Ravaged Ki-Adi-Mundi from Hypori, the nervious looking padawan Sha'a Gi and his Master Daakman Barrek, Advanced Recon Commando pilot, the Clone Marines who accompany Saesee Tiin, and Captain Fordo in Phase 2 Armour.

ANSWER: We're glad you liked that Wave - we agree that it is a super wave and a great way to say goodbye, with a bang, to the original Clone Wars micro-series. It will be our last wave to focus on that series, as at the request of Lucasfilm we have been concentrating our Clone Wars efforts on the new series. It is possible that we could get approval to do an occasional one here or there and we will take your suggestions into account if we do have an opportunity (Fordo and the Pilots are great choices and are highest on our list!).

QUESTION: I recently purchased the new Homing Spider Droid, and I have to say that it is bigger than I was expecting. Great job. But it has got be wondering, The Separatists have the AAT, Hailfire Droid, along with a series of smaller (but larger) Droids (Dwarf Spider Droid, Crab Droid & Tri-Droid), and now the Homing Spider Droid. The Republic has the AT-TE, the AT-AP, AT-RT, and a few speeder bikes. What I'm trying to get at is, it seems to me that the Republic's ground forces seem to be over powered by the 'Seps'. Are there any plans for other ground assault vehicles for the Republic?

I see that LEGO have a 'Republic Fighter Tank' coming out soon, which I can only assume will be in The Clone Wars, and seems to be about the same size as the AAT. And there is also a Swamp Speeder which was developed for Ep3 and has already had a Titanium version made. Would either of these make good candidates for the "Starfighter-Class Vehicle Assortment"?

ANSWER: Good question. We have our sights sets on a couple of cool ground-based Republic items coming up in the Starfighter Vehicle assortment, including one of the ones you mentioned. However, it's still too early to reveal any specifics - look for more around Toy Fair of next year.

QUESTION: With the new Legacy collection and the Build A Droid promo inserted into each figure and wave it seems you are onto something great here as it seems we are getting more figures for our money. If this is a huge success, will Hasbro look into maybe a Build A Location OR Build A Vehicle Promo in the near/far future?

ANSWER: We're glad you like the concept of getting additional bonus droid figures. However, the Legacy/Droid Factory figure assortment is where we are putting our buildable mechanic focus and do not have plans to expand into other segments like vehicles or playsets.

QUESTION: Just recently you admitted to JediDefender.com that in regards to next years ROTJ wave that "yes, there will be a Wooof in the wave". When you say "a" Wooof, did you mean THE Wooof, aka the vintage Palace version of Klaatu, and not some other Klaatu in a different outfit?

ANSWER: Yes, we meant it is actually Wooof who will be in the RotJ wave next year.

QUESTION: Given the popularity and scarcity of the Dark Trooper and the Fan's Choice Troop Builders (Covert Ops Trooper, Shadow Trooper, Utapaun Clone Trooper), why weren't these chosen for this year's Saga Legends line? They are cool-looking troop builders, so children will buy them, and the demand of the collectors who voted for their re-release has not nearly been met yet. Can we see these figures rereleased in Saga Legends in 2009?

ANSWER: The fans have absolutely voted that they can't get enough of these "greatest hits" troop builders. However, the new Saga Legends line is strictly focused on high-demand figures that are on-screen and kids do *not* want these figures, preferring figures that are familiar to them. It is possible that our focus on Saga Legends could change some, but right now this is the focus. Given the continued high demand of these figures, we'll look for other opportunities down the road to get these back out there.

ANSWER: Fair point. There will be the Stormtrooper-based Spacetrooper coming later this Fall that should scratch some of the itch, and after that we'll look for ways to keep a regular one in rotation, possibly as a future "greatest hits" candidate in the Droid Factory/Legacy Collection. One of the reasons that a generic Stormie was NOT a Saga Legends figure is that all the capacity is needed elsewhere for the Luke/Han Stormtrooper and Spacetrooper figures.

QUESTION: I just finished reading The Force Unleashed novel and I am now dying to play the game. I unfortunately didn't pick up all the TFU figures when they were available because I didn't appreciate how cool they really were!! I'm guessing that there are going to be A LOT of people in this same situation. Are you going to re-release any of The Force Unleashed figures to meet the new demand now that the game is finally out? There are also a ton of additional characters, like PROXY, that would make amazing figures! Please tell me that there is hope of getting a PROXY one day!

ANSWER: We will be looking at re-releasing most figures eventually as part of the "greatest hits" sub-line or Saga Legends. We haven't slotted them all in yet. Proxy is high on our list of figures we would like to do, and do not rule out the possibility that we will do more TFU figures. One more, Shaak Ti, will be in the basic figure lineup in late 2009, but any additional figures would not be out until 2010 at the earliest if we did decide to pursue some more (and after experiencing the game ourselves over the last week, there are a ton of great choices!).

QUESTION: Gunship Turrets! When will you release better sized turrets for the Republic Gunship?

The ones packed in with the AOTC Gunship pilot were good for the time, but now newer, more accurately scaled ones are needed, specially since there are so many gunship variations now on the market. They simply could be enlarged versions of the ones we have now, or made of clear plastic with a stuck in figure that is molded to sit inside.

Have you ever considered a Gunship supply battlepack? It could feature said new turrets, along with spare rockets, and perhaps a pilot, all packaged in one little set. Surely this would be a huge investment for you Hasbro since so many of us have at least one gunship in need of accurate turrets.

ANSWER: We are looking at the possibility of a Battle Pack for 2009 featuring turrets. Stay tuned!

QUESTION: I think it's safe to say that the action figures based on the Knights of the Old Republic games are wildly successful. Both Darth Malak and Revan sold extremely well, as does the Sith Legacy Evolutions set which includes Darth Nihilus. I think the market (that'd be us) is telling you something:) So, can you please tell us dedicated Expanded Universe and KOTOR fans that we'll see some more KOTOR figures in 2009? The Sith Lords need some heroic Knights of the Old Republic to go toe-to-toe with. >cough<...Bastila Shan...>coughcough<

ANSWER: There are no more KOTOR figures in the works right now, but the huge demand for KOTOR figures is always at the back of our mind. Bastila Shan would be the next one we want to do, but it would not be before 2010 at the earliest.

QUESTION: Now that you have nearly perfected the snowspeeder pilot body via the new evo packs, what are the chances of getting an updated version of Dak Raltir (Luke's gunner)?

ANSWER: We really like the new body ourselves (and indeed, really like all of the new pilot bodies), and while he is not in any lineup right now, an updated Dak remains a possibility within the next few years.

QUESTION: I know we're going to drive this one in the ground and still not get a definative answer, but how in the world can they justify mass producing decently articulated build a droid parts for pack-ins and not find a way not to include the same articulation across the line?

ANSWER: The cost of a droid part is tiny compared to high degrees of articulation on any particular figure. We still cannot do it across the board. The droid part also replaces the cost of the coin from the 2007 30th Anniversary Collection. Both the droids and the coins are meant to encourage deep collecting across the line and as such it is important to make sure thry are evenly spread across every pack.

QUESTION: Have you considered the idea of a game pack that would include two figures and an older PC game, similar to what is being done with the comic packs? This could be a great way to get at least a few of those game characters that collectors crave out there. Just think, KOTOR along with Bastila Shan and HK-47, Galactic Battlegrounds with Sev'rance Tann and Echuu Shen-Jon...

ANSWER: We have actually asked Lucasfilm about this, but LucasArts does not want the older, unsupported games in circulation at this time. We are hopeful that at least two of the characters you mention will be out within the next two years.

QUESTION: Many folks feel the big Millennium Falcon to be a true masterpiece in Star Wars toys, but speaking with the designer at Comic-Con, one of the things learned was that the original design for the toy was even bigger than what we got before budgetary realities found its current size. Were there arguments about what features could be packed into the final version? Did Lucasfilm have any specific requests of ideas to do or not to do? What features were on the bubble and barely made the cut? What features (beyond voice recordings, as we know Leia and Lando didn't make the final results there, along with about 40 more minutes of "vital" Falcon dialogue that was originally considered), if any, didn't make the final cut?

ANSWER: We're very glad you like the end result of what has truly been a labor of love from our design team and the tight collaboration with Lucasfilm to dial in what would truly make this Falcon a magical vehicle. As for the final size, yes you are correct in that there was a lot of homework done before we embarked on this one. It started with the realization that to truly be to scale it would be closer to 4 feet in diameter. This obviously would be way beyond any toy that we could produce. To figure out what could be realistic, we did several differently-sized treatment drawings and then built our choice in foam core to verify the size. We then invited the broader design, marketing, and engineering team to evaluate the structure, features, overall size, and the like. We felt that the 22" (approximate dish diameter) Falcon would satisfy all of the demands of the toy without pushing the price point (and tooling) up to astronomical levels. It was a process that helped us find that "Goldilocks" balance - the point at which it was just right for everybody to feel great about. As for as the final features, this size enabled us to really get every single thing that we wanted into the ship - it really was a great size to work with from all standpoints. We set out to capture the "character" of the Falcon and bring out its most dramatic features. We knew that there were certainly limitations (for example, we could only do a limited number of smuggling compartments and only had room for one gunner station) but we were able to develop some key points for us, such as the four-seat cockpit. Overall we felt that overall this size was really the best for the most magical experience. Dialog was a very important feature for us, since we have never had dialog on any previous Falcon version. The actual choices prompted some *very* interesting discussion, since the chip that we did end up using was 101 seconds, which by toy standards is waaay beyond the norm (then again, so is this Falcon). We looked at every bit of relevant dialog to cull it down to what we felt really captured the essence of the Falcon and it's personality to bring home the experience of the films. Since so much of the Falcon's personality was set up during Episode IV (Star Wars) we focused primarily there, but we also grabbed some key dialog from Episode V to make sure that we had the signature moments (like the hyperdrive malfunction). Once again, we are thrilled that you feel the magic of this very special project, and we hope that we have the chance to deliver more re-imaginings of classic vehicles as the years unfold, as long as fans show their support by making the Falcon (and AT-TE) a success.

QUESTION: Understanding that schedules are subject to change on these sorts of things, could Hasbro give us an idea of how many waves and figures are scheduled for the '09 line, and roughly how many figures are from each source?

ANSWER: There are currently eight Legacy waves scheduled for 2009, one from each movie with Empire getting a second late wave at the end of the year. There is one EU-focused wave. The EpIV and EpVI waves have eight new/refresh figures (and would come with Astro droids), and the rest have six new/refresh figures (and would come with protocol droids). In Clone Wars, there are about 36 new/refresh figures across 8 waves.

QUESTION: Will we be getting any Battle Droid variants in the Clone Wars line, like Commander, Security, Pilot, etc.? Would it matter if the design didn't show up right away in the cartoon? After all, we know what the markings of a Commander droid look like already. And what about a Clone Wars Battle Droid figure that can hold its rifle 2-handed?

ANSWER: Yes, we do have some planned variants coming including some who are just "off-screen." As for a BD with an articulated wrist (or different wrist position) there is not one in the lineup but it's being looked at for 2010 as a possibility.

QUESTION: On August 1st, we got a few answers that didn't seem quite complete, and are sacrificing one of our precious question slots to get clarifications for these 3 little bits & pieces that we previously asked about: A) what points of articulation are on the upcoming A New Hope Obi-Wan Kenobi; B) will the Titanium Series Cylon Heavy Raider that Hasbro previously announced be released before the license expires; and C) when you said to us that the Tonnikas were the only figures that you couldn't touch, but told another site that the Holiday Special was something you "couldn't approach", did that mean the Tonnikas answer was incomplete or are we misunderstanding what you mean on the Holiday Special? Thanks!

ANSWER: Sorry we missed these last time. This happens sometimes due to the overall crush of the Q&A since many sites submit multi-part questions...sometimes we do miss parts in our need to get to everyone. To answer your questions. A) Obi-Wan has ball and socket shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles, along with swivel wrists and waist. B) This one was planned, but we never got enough reference to start the vehicle design so it was dropped from the plan. C) There are a couple types of "off limits" figures here. Some Lucasfilm has asked us not to pursue, and some are self-imposed. The Tonnika Sisters are an example of the former, and the Holiday Special is an example of the latter. Lucasfilm's stance on the Holiday Special is well-articulated, so it would be a waste of time work up concepts for the characters from this series. If the characters do not appear in any other media there is little chance of them ever getting done (even Boba took a lot of work to make happen, but it was worth it). On these two areas, it doesn't do any good to petition/vote/plead….no amount of fan requests will change our opinions. (Editor's note: er, we hope Obi-Wan also has head articulation too. -JT)

QUESTION: The Force Unleashed is generating a lot of buzz, perhaps even greater than the Clone Wars movie. While there have been some absolutely fantastic TFU toys released by Hasbro it seems like there are some opportunities for more, such as the Bull Rancor, the newly designed Shaak Ti, the Rogue Shadow, and even the Cloud City Ugnaughts. Any plans to make more TFU in the future, or has that ship long since sailed?

ANSWER: There is a myriad of great characters that we would like to do and are looking at future opportunities to do more. So while nothing official is in the works (beyond Shaak Ti, which we can officially confirm for late 2009) we will be looking at more TFU figures when we do get together for our line planning sessions. Any new characters (beyond Shaak Ti) would not be out until 2010 at the earliest. One "character" we won't be doing, though, is the Bull Rancor. That beast is just too big for us to

QUESTION: Why use the inferior Sarlaac Pit Boba Fett sculpt (with the much hated action feature) for the new figure of Jodo Kast? The paint application is so amazing on that figure, it's a shame it's tarnished with that body when there are so many better Fett bodies to choose from.

ANSWER: The other (vintage/Evolution) tools were already in use on the Evolutions packs. It was the best Boba Fett body that was available to us at the factory we needed, and we are very glad we could get him done in the window of opportunity we had available to us.

QUESTION: The GameStop TFU promotional exclusive Stormtrooper Commander's US release does not appear to have gone very smoothly. Most stores we contacted did not know such a promotion was taking place less than a week before the release, and supply does not seem to come close to meeting demand. Can you let us in on what happened to make this figure such an unknown, and if there will be a re-release sometime soon to help collectors pining for this figure to get one?

ANSWER: LucasArts managed the release of this figure. We did not know any of the details until the Friday before the game's release and rushed to get the details out as soon as we learned them. We are looking for a potential future release.

QUESTION: From pod: The Walmart BAD 2-packs of owner/droid figures was a really cool concept that you executed well. Was it successful enough that you might revisit it sometime? There are lots of good combinations still out there: Wedge and his red & white domed R2 from the Battle of Yavin, Saesee Tinn and his yellow R4, Grizz Frix and his white and gold R5 from the Battle of Endor, etc.

ANSWER: Thanks for the comment, pod. We have confirmed that WM is lined up for a sequel next year. Details will be released next year, but trust us when we say it will be spectacular.

QUESTION: Now that THE FORCE UNLEASHED game has been released (at least, it will be by the time you send your reply), was there anything from the game you wanted to pursue as a toy or action figure, but weren't allowed to because of plot information restrictions? Any possibility of revisiting the game for new action figures in the future? (Hint: Shaak Ti!!!)

ANSWER: Actually, The Force Unleashed team was amazingly candid with us and allowed unprecedented access to the game, which is why our line was extremely broad to begin with. The only character that we wanted to "chase" so to speak was Shaak Ti, and we can confirm that she is in the lineup for late next year. However, after we had pretty much filled up our product plan we stopped probing for the newest news and decided to wait until the game was done to see more. Now that we have seen it, and played it ("experienced" it being the better word choice) we continue to be blown away by the depth and storytelling. There are a myriad of great characters that we would like to do and are looking at future opportunities to do more. So while nothing official is in the works (beyond Shaak Ti) we will be looking at it when we do get together for ourline planning sessions. One thing fans should know is that we are never afraid to chase great characters, and we're pretty confident that you'll be seeing more TFU from us, even though it may not be until 2010. Like the game, it'll be worth the wait.

QUESTION: With the ROTJ cut sandstorm sequence figures making their debut, any chance for figures from the cut Tosche Station sequence from ANH? Or the green-skinned Emperor from the theatrical cut of TESB?

ANSWER: Well now that is an interesting question about the Tosche station scene. Right now, there are no plans but there is something very appealing about those just off-screen scenes and we'll be looking into it. As for the Emperor…it's highly unlikely.

QUESTION: Will Hasbro ever release the VTSC Snowtrooper in the Legends repack line, and if so, any chance we could get a more "Whiter" version? Both VTSC and the Hoth Ultimate Battle Pack had snowtroopers which had some form of brown muck (or rust or dung or whatever it was supposed to be) and a discolored helmet which was very unappealing. I'd prefer to see a way more cleaner white snowtrooper to army build with. And of course Hasbro would cut their costs on the reissued figure by not having to paint that muck on. It's win-win!

ANSWER: Indeed it would be. We do have plans to get out a Snowtrooper in either the Saga Legends line or as re-pack figure in the Legacy/Droid Factory Collection. We really liked the VTSC version but we'll take your comments into account and look into it when we re-release..

QUESTION: I think BaD is the best idea for a SW pack-in ever. It's really well-thought out and I am grateful that the parts can be mixed-and-matched so that I can customize my own astromechs and protocol droids! I was wondering: since you sell the figure stands on Hasbro Toy Shop which used to be pack-ins too, why not also sell a pack of BaD body parts as well? These don't have to be the same parts that are included in the Legacy waves. I'd actually like to see complete BaD figures for R2-D2, R5-D4, R4-P1, R4-G9, R3PO, K3PO, gold RA-7, and of course C3PO whose pieces I can then mix in with the Legacy parts and make a new R2 or R5-D4 etc. The customization aspect is actually more appealing to me than just building the actual character. Heck, I bought Yarna and Bane recently and left the figures in the packaging while I played with the BaD pieces first! BaD is the new "LEGO"(tm) of Star Wars, fun for kids and adults alike!

ANSWER: We're thrilled that you like the Droid Factory concept and are experiencing the magic we hoped exactly to be delivering. Some of us remember that thrill of the original Droid Factory and the fun that having a variety of parts to custom build droids can bring. Some of the characters you ask about will be coming in the BAD format in one way or the other (possibly not in the basic figure packs though) and in time we will reveal those details. We are committed to keeping this cool "play pattern" going in different formats, and we are glad you are along for the long haul.

QUESTION: Since we have a release of Cade Skywalker... Is there any chance on the rest of the crew of the mynock being released?

ANSWER: Eventually they are a strong possibility but it may be a while before we get to more members. There are some other very cool Legacy packs we have in store first, however, so stay tuned….

QUESTION: Characters from Star Wars comics, books, concepts and games have been included in the standard line of single figures, figure sets and comic packs the last couple of years. I for one have enjoyed these figures far more than more Clone Troopers. Have the sales of these EU figures beengood enough to continue their production and maybe give them their own collection series to stand next to the others?

ANSWER: The response has been very good to our expansion "beyond the borders" of the films into the rich world of the EU, both in terms of the response to new figures but also to some of the "greatest hits" returning via polling. However, we don't plan to run a separate line of all EU figures at the moment, or give the EU any more particular focus than we have been lately. As it is, one assortment, the Comic Packs, has a very high concentration of EU figures and "core" figures in outfits that only appear in the EU.

QUESTION: Last Q&A you mentioned a Prequel Beru may be coming next year and Cliegg Lars maybe a little further out, but you failed to mention a Prequel Owen. Would it be safe to assume he would come out at the same time as Beru?

QUESTION: I recently acquired the Yaddle and Even Piell Jedi 2- pack from the Legacy Collection, but I noticed a few errors with the packaging. In each instance that Master Piell is referenced, he is referred to as "Evan". This error appears on the insert nameplate, under the UPC, on the card back within the figure's descriptive copy and on all the figure cardbacks from wave 3. Can we expect this typographical error to be corrected or will it just be something collectors have to accept?

ANSWER: It will not be corrected, as the entire run has been completed.

QUESTION: It has been confirmed in a recent QnA (with TheJawa.com) that the "beak" from the Sarlacc Pit Environment/Playset is removable for the option for recreating the that scene before the special edition CGI was added. Is there an image you can share of what that section of the Sarlacc looks like without the beak?

ANSWER: Sorry, there are no pics available of this one with the beak taken out. The components are designed so you can display the beak and tentacles together, either separately, or none at all.

QUESTION: In a previous QnA with us (June 2008) you confirmed that the V-Wing Pilot is planned for a second "Imperial Pilots" Evolutions Set in Spring 2009. Now that that figure is locked down, what can be said of the other 2 pilots in the set? Will it be similar to the current Imperial Pilot Set with a repainted E2 Clone Pilot and new TIE Pilot?

ANSWER: Close. The three pilots are a "V-Wing" repaint of the Clone Wars-era pilot, a black version of the EpIII pilot, and a generic version of the TIE using the Biggs TIE body but with a new closed helmet.

QUESTION: How come HasbroToyShop (who make Star Wars toys) always seem be out of stock of mostly new items on your site? Also how come the stores get so little cases anymore? Back in the good old days I would walk in to any of my stores and there would 15-25 cases sitting there and it seems ebay has tons of them, is it something Hasbro is cutting back on or the stores are just not ordering as much?

ANSWER: Actually Star Wars figures are selling incredibly well. Two things that we will say are that we do NOT preferentially ship our own site a disproportionate share of figures, and they forecast based on the anticipated demand like any other retail. As with most things this Fall on Star Wars, we could only make so much to go around so quickly so many things were allocated. Everyone should be getting more amply supplied as we go along, though. Second, retailers are not taking the long stock positions that they used to back in the good old days, instead managing their inventories to be more "just in time" with less buildup. This is a blessing and a curse for us, the collectors, since it means that great products will be tougher to find sometimes, but it also means that we can more finely tune our wave deliveries and get more newness to the shelves more frequently. In short, we can plan and manage the line better when we know that retailers will be needing to be resupplied rather than waiting behind a ton of unsold/backed up toys. We constantly read and react as best we can to demand, chasing the hotter figures to try and keep the supply out there.

QUESTION: I would like to thank Hasbro for making the big MF and the Clone Walker. Though I question the mid-summer release of such large items, they are both prime examples of what 21st century toys can be. The question is what is up with landing gear on the BMF and the legs on the Clone Walker? Both are subject to failure at the slightest touch. The BMF to a lesser extent but it still happens. The walker is aweful and you can't even touch the action buttons without the whole thing collapsing. How did this ever get past quality control? I know many parents who bought these for their kids who returned it for this reason. Are you concerned with this affecting the overall success of the bigger toys and what are you doing about this? Maybe you could issue special fittings for people to mail away for that will hold the legs on better. Is there a way to get replacement landing gear for the BMF? These 2 potentially great toys could self destruct because of seemingly "cheap" designs and/or sloppy production though we know the retail prices are not.

ANSWER: We have a policy in place to make sure that every consumer is happy with their Hasbro Toys experience and anyone experiencing frustration with their AT-TE should contact our Customer Service team. We have a solution for the AT-TE issues - a set of six replacement legs that work like a charm and will be available soon, and our Customer Service team will make sure that consumers get these new replacement legs as soon as they are available. We are not worried about the sales of the AT-TE or any effect on future vehicles.

QUESTION: Any plans to release the Naboo Fighter again? This awesome ship has not been released since the Episode 1 line!

ANSWER: We do not have it in the lineup anywhere, but agree that it's time is overdue. We will be looking for opportunities down the road to make it available again, perhaps in the Starfighter Vehicle assortment.

QUESTION: With the Indy line, when Hasbro says that that Mutt Williams in jacket is very popular with the kids, how is that determined, is that based on what retailers order? Because both basic Mutt Williams figures seem to be the by far the most over-abundant figures left on the Indy pegs usually, sometimes in the dozens. While empirical and anecdotal evidence is not fully scientific, when consistent enough it does paint a very particular picture to collectors, in this case that Mutt Williams is a major pegwarmer doing his best to choke the line to death, even with his snazzy jacket. Obviously there is disparity between Hasbro's take and collectors' take on this, and if collectors are right, then Hasbro's focus on Mutt would bury the line up to its neck in quicksand, so any thoughts where that disparity comes from?

ANSWER: The relative popularity of one figure over the other is based on actual rates of sale. When fans note the abundance of one figure over the other, it lacks the context of the rate of sale, how many of shipped, and regional variations, so national sales data is the best indicator of popularity.

QUESTION: With the '09 Indiana Jones figures, you say that their future is the hands of how the line does over the upcoming holiday season. Assuming that the '09 line does not make it to retail, what would become of those figures, would they become exclusives perhaps through HasbroToyShop, or not produced at all? That has come up with canceled Star Wars items too, where the question is the same: if those molds were not to be run at all, how would not running the molds make a return on the investments of whatever finished but unused tooling exists? Wouldn't making part of its money back on a smaller run of product be more help defray those already-spent tooling costs better than ensuring no possible return on the toolings' costs?

ANSWER: Our negotiated rates with our factories require certain minimums for us to produce any toy (or assortment). If we didn't think that we could move through that quantity, then it would not make sense for us to pursue as our retail partner (or HasbroToyShop) would be left with excess. So if the line does not continue into '09, the chances of any additional figures coming out is highly unlikely because of that.

QUESTION: Is the German Mechanic figure shown in the second Raiders of the Lost Ark wave scheduled for January going to include any accessories (wrench, removable hat and shirt etc...)?

Also, would it be possible to see a picture of the stands that will be included in this wave as well as Mola Ram without his head dress?

ANSWER: Right now, we are not going to be revealing any more details or information on this wave due to the likelihood that it will not make it out.

QUESTION: What is your internal "doomsday date" to determine the future of the Indiana Jones line at retail? Or, what specific date in the coming months is the "point of no return" for Indy's future? Will there be enough time to "rescue" the line to produce and distribute post-Temple Of Doom/Wave 4 if the Indy line indeed starts to sell at a faster pace?

ANSWER: Right now, it's highly unlikely that the line will continue significantly beyond the holidays this year.

QUESTION: Would you consider continuing the line as online exclusives with a higher per-figure price if it is not feasible to continue the line at stores like Wal-Mart and Target? In order to get figures like Oxley, Mac, Donovan, and Marcus collectors would be willing to pay more.

ANSWER: It would not be possible to continue the line in this manner, since the size of the IJ collector base is not enough to sustain development work and production volumes by itself.

QUESTION: Is there any plan in the future for a deluxe 12" Indiana Jones with more accessories and better detail that's in the $50-$60 dollar range such as the 12" 100th Luke Skywalker from the Power of the Jedi line or the 12" Anakin/Darth Vader from the Revenge of the Sith line or is that being held aside for Sideshow?

ANSWER: There are no plans for a higher-priced IJ figure from Hasbro. Unlike Star Wars, which is sublicensed through Hasbro, Sideshow does not sublicense IJ 12" figures from us and are free to pursue their own plans.

QUESTION: Recently images have appeared online for the Akator Playset that now features two additional bonus figures (Mutt and Spalko). Is this an exclusive or will it see a full release to all stores?

ANSWER: It is a retailer exclusive at Sam's Club this Fall in the U.S.

QUESTION: Will we see a vehicle, deluxe set, or exclusive of Henry and Indiana Jones with the motorcycle and sidecar as in The Last Crusade?

ANSWER: Unfortunately, while a motorcycle with sidecar was planned, it will not make it out.

QUESTION: In regards to your recent tone with the Indiana Jones line, many of us Indy collectors are worried this may be the end. Worst Case scenario (And I mean WORST CASE!!!) if you do discontinue the Indiana Jones line with retailers, what would be the chances of you offering say 4 to 6 figures per year exclusively on-line? You could put ads in Star Wars and Indiana Jones magazines and comic books to let even the casual fans know they are out there, plus there is word of mouth which is probably the greatest and cheapest marketing tool out there! I know you said in a previous Q&A that using on-line companies like Entertainment Earth and others wouldn't work, but what if it was sold through HasbroToyShop.com. I know that Hasbro just came out with a Cloverfield monster as a internet exclusive and that thing was huge and cost $100! There are a LOT more Indiana Jones fans than Cloverfield fans! There are plenty of great figures to be made, and some would be simple retools (Ex: using the Toht sculpt for Walter Donovan, just throw in a new head). PLEASE consider this... There are many of us hardcore Indy fans that are worried this is the end of the line!!!

ANSWER: Unfortunately, this would not be possible. Far fewer collectors shop through online channels than shop at mass retail, and we would not be able to hit our production volumes going this route, much less justify theresources to produce anything new.

QUESTION: Will there be any kind of exclusives released with the upcoming Crystal Skull DVD?

ANSWER: The only plans to tie in to the DVD release are a series of Wal-Mart 3-packs (similar to the Star Wars DVD-timed 3-packs we do as a running series). However, none of the figures will be different than the way they appeared on basic figure cards. There will be additional exclusives later in the Fall for Target and Toys 'R Us, but again there will be no differences, only the package configuration.

QUESTION: It's been said that the longevity of this line would be based on sales. If by chance the level of sales for this line was not enough for retailers to continue to carry it, would there be any chance of Hasbro continuing the lime in some sort of limited release through someplace like the HasbroToyShop in the future?

ANSWER: If the continued sales of the line were not strong enough for retailers to carry, then online-only would not be a solution either. We have found from our research that only a small fraction of collectors actually shop online, instead preferring to find figures at retail for the most part. Based on the volumes we need to manufacture figures, HasbroToyShop.com could not carry the volume needed.

QUESTION: There has been a lot of doom and gloom chatter recently about the future of the Indiana Jones line. The abundance of certain peg-warming figures, the rather short SDCC presentation and recent Q&A answers all seem to suggest the line could be coming to a close sometime in 2009.One of the reasons posited for this is that the Indiana Jones line just isn't "kid friendly" enough. Most of the films are over 20 years old and, even with the relative commercial success of "KotCS", the toys are far more appealing to collectors rather than children.Might it be possible to reposition the Indy toys as a smaller, collector-focused line, more akin to the 25th Anniversary GI Joe line? The Joe line features some really terrific toys, but the characters and media they are based upon are just as old and even more obscure than the classic Indy films, but that line (at least appears) to be doing rather well with more exciting items and conce pts on the way. Clearly, it would seem, GI Joe is not kept afloat by children, but by steady collector interest.Rather than Indy trying to "compete" with a massive kid-friendly line like "Star Wars", which has been consistently ubiquitous in the pop culture for over ten years, might it be possible to transition the Indy line to a smaller, more select market? This would probably rule out large-scale vehicles, but, as a huge fan of the line I know I'm not alone when I say that we'd obviously rather be happy with even a small offering of say, 10 to 15 figures a year rather than nothing at all.

ANSWER: The IJ collector base is not as large as the heavy hitter collector brands, so this makes it a challenge to craft a collector-only focused line that retailers see as a "must have" in years where there is no IJ entertainment. Lines like GI Joe have bigger collector bases and built-in repaint efficiency, which do not work in IJs favor.

QUESTION: In your recent Q&A answers, you indicated that you aren't taking anything for granted about the future of the line until you see how things play out over the next few months and the only thing definite on the horizon is the 2009 "Raiders" wave previewed at Comic Con.Recently, rumors have surfaced about a new vehicle assortment for early 2009, as well. Given that those vehicles were probably planned at one point to coincide with 2009's first new wave, do you still have plans to release those, as well, or are they also up in the air?

ANSWER: Hasbro actually didn't send an answer to this question. We're trying to get them to respond to it, and will update when they do.

QUESTION: We realize that continued support for the IJ line is what will decide its future beyond the holidays. However, there is a serious gap in the Raiders figure collection, and that is Toht. Since this figure has been on the cards since the line's inception (back when you planned a "Vintage" style, which fell through) and was shown at SDCC - not to mention technically being "almost done" since the body was used for the SDCC Cobra Commander - can we rest assured that it will indeed see the light of day before the end of this line? Or will this be another case of a figure being shown that makes us drool, only to be told "sorry, you'll never own it now"?

ANSWER: The gaps do pain us as well, and we hope that we will be able to get to the figures shown at Comic Con. As you say, right now continued support for the IJ line is in consumers' hands to show th at demand for IJ will justify continued, ongoing retail support.